BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — A sentiment hear all too often from grieving families. Most recently, from the family of Badr Elwaseem.
"We just want justice for him and if anyone has any information about it, just reach out and help us. We want justice for my brother," Najmaldeen Elwaseem, Badr's, brother said.
This same message reinforced by city leaders. "We are also asking anyone that has any information about this shooting incident to call our shooting tip-line," Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said at a news conference.
For city leaders, the importance of building relationships in the community is more important now than ever. Buffalo Police Captain Jeff Rinaldo said more people are coming forward with tips.
"We have seen more and more of these cases are being brought to a successful completion because people are doing just that," he said.
Last October, Buffalo Police said 2018 was their best year for solving homicides in the past five years, which they credit the public for leading them to suspects.
"We're going out, we're talking with the community, we're holding meetings and we're basically partnering with the community," Captain Rinaldo said.
The Erie County District Attorney's Office reinforcing the police department's work. It has measures in place to protect tipsters scared of retribution whether that be through buying the person a new phone or completely relocating them and their family.
"We're not trying to throw anyone in jail, we're not trying to violate anyone's civil rights, we're not trying to harm the community in any way. We're here to do the number one thing of government, and that is to keep you safe," DA John Flynn said.
And often bridging the gap between police, prosecutors and the community are anti-violence groups like Buffalo Peacemakers that works tirelessly to stop the violence.
"We're getting the community to be involved in the process," Pastor James Giles of Peacemakers said. He continued, "As soon as the individual trigger people find out that they're not getting away, I promise you they will be less likely to be firing off than they are firing off now."
Buffalo Police say it's a priority to find the person responsible in the death of Badr and encourage anyone with any information to come forward. The Buffalo Police Confidential TipCall Line at (716) 847-2255 or to 911.
